In Nepal, the famous Bisket Jatra is being celebrated in Bhaktapur and other parts of Kathmandu valley. The nine day annual festival marks beginning of Nepali new year. The Jatra begins four days before the start of new year. It is believed that the festival started during Malla dynasty.

There are many legends associated with the Jatra. According to a myth, whosoever marries local princess dies on the very first night of the marriage. Later a brave young man married the princess. In the night, two snakes attacked him and young man killed them.

The main attraction of Bisket Jatra is chariot procession of Lord Bhairavanath. The three-story chariot is taken out in the streets of Bhaktapur and there is a tug of war between people from upper and lower city to pull the chariot on their side.

Thousand of visitors from various parts of Nepal and a large number of foreign tourists gather at Bhaktapur to see this thrilling event. On the eve of Nepali new year a huge linga ( a pole) is erected and two long pieces of cloth are hanged upon it to represent the dead snakes.

Next day the pole is pulled down and Nepali new year officially commences. A number of festivals are celebrated in Nepal throughout the year but people eagerly waits for Bisket Jatra.